Gambling addiction: how to find the right help

Gambling addiction (pathological gambling) is a state in which a person loses control over how often and how much they bet, despite mounting financial, professional or family losses. The WHO classifies this condition in ICD-11 as an impulse-control disorder. It isn't a matter of weak willpower - the addiction mechanism involves the brain's dopamine system, much like other behavioural addictions.

Problem gambling is estimated to affect around 2-3% of the adult population. Many people don't seek help out of shame or a belief that they'll "handle it on their own". Research shows that early intervention (before deep debt) gives a much better outlook than treatment at an advanced stage.

Symptoms of pathological gambling (clinical criteria)

A diagnosis requires meeting at least 4 of 9 criteria within 12 months. A simplified list of symptoms that should prompt a consultation with a specialist:

• needing to bet ever larger amounts to feel the same level of excitement,
• irritability or anxiety when trying to cut back or stop playing,
• repeated, unsuccessful attempts to limit play,
• obsessive thinking about play (planning the next session, analysing past results),
• playing to improve mood or escape problems,
• chasing losses - returning to play after a loss to recover it,
• hiding the scale of play and financial losses from loved ones,
• risking the loss of a job, relationships or important opportunities because of gambling,
• relying on others to pay off gambling debts.

Where to find help

Organisation / form of help	What it offers	Contact
National Gambling Helpline (GamCare)	round-the-clock, confidential support for gambling problems (UK)	0808 8020 133 (free) / gamcare.org.uk
BeGambleAware	advice, self-assessment and treatment referral for players and families	begambleaware.org
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)	12-step support groups, in-person and online meetings	gamblersanonymous.org
Addiction-treatment clinics	individual and group therapy, outpatient and inpatient treatment	your local health service or GP referral
CBT psychotherapy	cognitive behavioural therapy - the most effective method for treating gambling addiction	a psychologist / therapist experienced in addiction
Casino self-exclusion	immediate blocking of the account and deposits	player panel or Vavada support chat

First steps - what to do now

1. Stop playing immediately. Activate self-exclusion at the casino (the responsible gaming section in the account panel or contact support). Don't wait for a "last chance" - statistically the next session increases the loss, it doesn't recover it.

2. Call a helpline. A conversation with a counsellor usually takes 15-30 minutes, is free and confidential. The counsellor will help assess the situation and point you to the nearest clinic or support group.

3. Get your finances in order. Block payment cards linked to the casino, restrict access to bank accounts (e.g. by setting limits with your bank). Tell your spouse or a trusted person about the scale of the debt - hiding the problem makes it harder to solve.

4. Book a consultation. Addiction-treatment clinics accept patients without a referral in many places. The first visit is an assessment and a treatment plan - usually combining individual therapy with participation in a support group.

Help for a player's loved ones

The family and partners of people with a gambling problem often experience stress, guilt and financial pressure. Loved ones aren't responsible for another person's addiction, but they can influence the treatment process by:

• consistently refusing to lend money "for one last game",
• supporting treatment rather than hiding the problem,
• contacting a helpline themselves or groups for families of addicts (such as Gam-Anon),
• setting financial boundaries (separate accounts, no access to shared savings).

More on the control tools available on the site: Responsible gaming.

Educational information. In a situation that threatens life or health (suicidal thoughts, deep depression), call your local emergency number or go to an emergency department.